Heather Watson calls out ‘cowards’ sending death threats on social media

The tennis star said she had been called "Horrible words that I couldn't even think up in my head" but refuses to back down

Heather Watson (Getty)

Despite being the last British woman standing at Wimbledon, and winning a succession of tough matches against some of the world’s best, Heather Watson said she has stopped checking her social media accounts due to the sheer volume of threats she receives every day.

At a post-match press conference, the 23-year-old said: “I think those people, they’ve got no life. They’re just kind of cowards thinking that they can say whatever they want on the internet. They don’t understand that we’re just people at the end of the day.

“I don’t think they’d appreciate people saying that stuff to them. But what can you do? I don’t think you’re going to be able to stop it.”

Her comments come following an interview she gave in the New York Times about the death threats she is sent on a regular basis.

“I’ve had death threats, I’ve had people threatening to kill me and kill my family, wishing that I get cancer and die a slow, painful death. Horrible words that I couldn’t even think up in my head, to be that mean," she said.

Watson has just been sent through to the third round of the tennis championship, meaning she will up against Serena Williams. She will also take home at least £77,000 in winnings.

Despite the threats and abuse directed at her, however, Watson said she will continue to post on social media.

“I think some people get sick of me posting pictures. But I like it, so I’m going to keep doing it.”